By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: The NGOs comprising of CSWO, TUR, FKJGP, KSU, KWADA along with village elders and persons from about 20 villages have reiterated their demand for a moratorium or a complete stop to the acquisition of land for the New Shillong Township (NST).
According to the NGOs, even the Lyngdoh of Raid Nongkrem has openly opposed this forceful taking away of peoples’ landwhile adding that the Bakhraw and Batri of the Hima in earlier communications have clearly stated that community land cannot be alienated and is non transferable.
“Contrary to the statement made by the Minister of Urban Affairs Ms Ampareen Lyngdoh, our demand is very simple and clear. We want a complete stop to the acquisition and sale of community land whether to government or private persons. We want to protect our land which is our identity, our livelihood and our common resource and which will guarantee our sustainable development. If this clear demand of the people is still ambiguous for the Minister, she should reread and carefully study the letter which we have sent to her on June 4, 2013,” the letter to the Government says.
